Exploring The Future Of Travel With Industry Experts

In 2024, travel trends were a mix of escapism and edginess. While some travellers seized the opportunity to visit the shooting locations of their favourite Netflix shows, others tried to limit their dopamine sources to join the social media-fueled ‘raw-dogging’ bandwagon. As concerns about overtourism grew, travellers began seeking out lesser-known alternatives, embracing the ‘destination dupe’ trend. The year also witnessed a surge in interest in celestial wonders, with the aurora borealis putting on a spectacular show. As travel trends continue to shape our wanderlust, 2025 promises to be no exception. 

Looking ahead at the 2025 travel trends, we can expect a continued focus on sustainable practices, responsible tourism, and innovative travel experiences. From off-the-grid adventures to the next top inbound destinations like Africa, the future of travel is full of exciting possibilities.

Get started by checking out our list of the most beautiful ‘destination dupes’ in the world.

Travel trends in 2025: What industry insiders predict

With both omnipresent and emerging trends infiltrating every category – family vacations, couples getaways, solo escapes – we asked experts in the tourism sphere to predict the travel trends that’ll define 2025.

Sports and music tourism will become the ‘dynamic duo’

The trend of following favourite sports teams or artists around the world is picking up with travellers like never before. Sports tourism alone was valued at a staggering USD 564.7 billion (approximately INR 46.87 trillion) in 2023, and it’s projected to reach USD 1.33 trillion (approximately INR 1,10,456 crore) by 2032. Music tourism is also on the rise, expected to hit USD 13.8 billion (approximately INR 1.15 trillion) by 2032.

Why are fans so passionate about these experiences? Sumit Prakash, Country Director of Collinson International, explains: “Fans are not only travelling more, but they’re also willing to spend significantly to make their trips extra special as they believe this to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Sports fans are particularly big spenders, with over half exceeding USD 500 (INR 41,500 approximately) per trip. Younger travellers, aged 25-34, are the most enthusiastic, often spending over USD 1,000 (INR 83,000 approximately) per trip for sports and music events.”

With a slew of music concerts and sporting events lined up for 2025, Mohak Nahta, founder of Atlys, predicts that demand will continue to soar. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in recent years,” he says. “Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour fueled a 20 percent increase in visa applications, and Coldplay’s concerts in Singapore and Paris led to significant surges in tourism.”

As the world eagerly anticipates 2025 events like Coldplay’s ‘Music of the Spheres’ world tour spanning cities like Mumbai, Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Hong Kong, and Seoul, it’s clear that sports and music tourism will remain a driving trend in the travel industry.

Wellness tourism is all set for a ‘glow up’

Wellness tourism, once a niche travel trend, has flourished in recent years. As we enter 2025, this sector is poised for a rebranding, incorporating futuristic elements like AI-powered biohacking, nap-a-latte caffeine drinks, vibroacoustic therapy, and more.

Mark Sands, Vice President of Wellness at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, explains the shift: “Biohacking involves making small, incremental changes to lifestyle and diet that can significantly impact how guests think and feel. This includes everything from brain-boosting drinks to cryotherapy and compression boots. We’ve always believed in this approach, but increased focus on biohacking has allowed us to better support guests in achieving a healthier, fitter, and longer lifespan.”

Sands also highlights the importance of digital detox and sound therapies. “From a full-body sound immersion on a vibroacoustic lounger at Six Senses La Sagesse to the soothing and hypnotic beats of Fijian and oceanic drums during the sound journey at Six Senses Fiji, this rise in digital free zones paired with targeted therapies will help us disconnect and be present.”

Check out our guide to the best spa and wellness destinations in Bangkok.

Set-jetting will make a star-studded reentry

From St Abbs Scotland becoming New Asgard in Avengers: Endgame to the Headland Hotel in Cornwall hosting the witches’ convention in The Witches (1990) and Jordan’s Wadi Rum providing the dramatic desert landscapes for Arrakis in Dune, filming locations have long attracted visitors to detour from touristic itineraries. But why is the set-jetting trend – a play on “jet-setting” – taking off at an unprecedented pace?

“Set-jetting offers a unique way to connect with the stories we love,” says Brad Edman, Market Vice President of Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar at Marriott International. “By visiting filming locations, travellers can step into the scenes they’ve admired onscreen.”

Bleisure travel will bank on hybrid work schedules

The trend of combining business with leisure, known as ‘bleisure travel‘, has surged in popularity since the early 2020s and shows no signs of slowing down. With the rise of remote work and flexible schedules, professionals now have unprecedented opportunities to explore new destinations while still fulfilling their work obligations. Even small gestures like swapping hotel breakfasts for local cuisine can add a touch of adventure to a business trip. Rikant Pittie, Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, notes that younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are embracing bleisure travel with enthusiasm. These digital natives view work and leisure as interconnected and are more likely to extend business trips to explore new destinations. They are comfortable working remotely from various locations and use technology to stay productive while on the go.

Planning vacations for the upcoming year? Check out the 10 hottest destinations for 2025, according to Amex.

Coolcations to soar in popularity

The continual quest for literally cool and waterside holidays – a seasonal travel trend – will remain high on the agenda in 2025, with ‘coolcations’ showing no signs of dimming. “Water is no longer the backdrop but the main event with a majority (51 percent) of travellers feeling that climate change will impact the way they plan their vacation in 2024, while over half (56 percent) looking to travel to destinations to cool down as temperatures soar close to home,” notes Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia at Booking.com.

“This has led to the rise of water-centric travel, which takes the edge off the heat and helps travellers wash away their worries. Three-quarters (75 percent) of global travellers feel that being close to water instantly makes them feel more relaxed, while 36 percent are interested in taking water-centric vacations this year. This trend also paves the way for modern wellness retreats that include ice therapy, water sound baths, snow meditation and floating yoga for travellers seeking wellness and rejuvenation from their trips.”

Learn more about why spending a slow summer in Tromso might be the best way to beat the heat.

An anti-overtourism travel trend for 2025: Not-hot tripping

As the global tourism industry grapples with overtourism, operators are increasingly focused on offering unique and sustainable travel experiences. Beyond the standard options when booking group tours, travellers are seeking destinations off the beaten path. The trend of ‘not-hot’ travel is gaining momentum, as travellers seek to explore lesser-known destinations and contribute to responsible tourism in 2025.

Intrepid Travel is leading the charge with its ‘Not Hot List’, featuring four new itineraries to Greenland, Ghana, Mongolia, and Australia. These destinations offer unique experiences and help alleviate the pressure on popular tourist spots. Rama Mahendru, Country General Manager of Intrepid Travel India, explains the company’s commitment to sustainable tourism. “Before launching new itineraries, we conduct thorough research and assessments to ensure minimal environmental impact and support local communities. By offering diverse experiences, we aim to reduce the strain on popular tourist destinations and provide travellers with authentic and meaningful journeys.”

Longer and sustainable safaris to become the new ‘it’ experience

As travellers seek more meaningful and immersive experiences, sustainable safaris are evolving. In 2025, we’ll see a growing trend of longer, tailored trips to Sub-Saharan Africa, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural world. Louise Cottar, Co-Founder of Cottar’s Safaris, notes that travellers are increasingly drawn to longer safaris that offer immersive experiences, opportunities to learn about conservation and a deeper connection to nature. They are seeking more than just a checklist of activities.

Sustainability has become a top priority for travellers. When choosing a safari destination, they are increasingly looking for accommodations with eco-friendly certifications. Cottar’s Safaris, for example, is a Long Run Global Ecosphere Retreat and a Kenya Ecotourism Gold-rated property. This commitment to sustainability is now a standard expectation, not an exception.

Explore our guide to the best African countries for a winter trip.

The ‘hurkle-durkling’ trend will continue to gain traction

Forget ‘bed rotting’. The latest travel trend for 2025 is ‘hurkle-durkling’ — an old Scottish term for leisurely lounging in bed. This trend, popularised on social media, is resonating with travellers seeking a more relaxed and rejuvenating vacation experience. Whether it’s a leisurely morning snooze or a full day of relaxation, there’s no limit to how you can enjoy hurkle-durkling. This trend is gaining popularity as travellers increasingly prioritise rest over packed itineraries. Chris Silcock, President of Global Brands and Commercial Services at Hilton, agrees, noting that ‘hurkle-durkling’ is particularly appealing to younger generations.

According to Hilton’s research, one-fifth of global travellers enjoy ‘hurkle-durkling’ on vacation, but younger generations are even more enthusiastic about this trend. Around 30 percent of Zillennials (those born between 1990 and 2000) embrace this leisurely activity, compared to 11 percent of Gen Z and Baby Boomers. This suggests that for many younger travellers, prioritising relaxation and downtime is more important than chasing “Instagrammable” experiences.

Sober tourism will be the life of the travel trend party in 2025

When the ‘no and low alcohol’ trend took over the alco-bev industry in 2024, its impact on hospitality and tourism was firmly anticipated in 2023. Bobby Carey, Creative Director at Proof Creative, believes that Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global development is a prime example of this trend. With plans for 50 hotels across 22 islands and six inland locations, this “Middle Eastern Maldives” is poised to become a hub for sober tourism. Carey highlights the St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, as examples of hotels that have successfully integrated the no and low alcohol trend into their offerings. “Globally, hotels are asking us to not only create concepts but future-proof them as this sector of the market continues to grow,” he emphasises.

Demand for culinary tourism will boil over

Food tourism is no longer an afterthought. Travellers are actively seeking out unique culinary experiences to deepen their understanding of a destination. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local food festivals, culinary experiences are becoming a central focus of travel. Travellers are dedicating time and resources to exploring new flavours and discovering the stories behind them. Aditi Dugar, Founder & Director of Masque Restaurant, believes that 2025 will be a year of culinary tourism. “We’re really at an interesting cusp when it comes to food. Our palates are looking for exciting new flavours and the stories and experiences that come with them.”

Dugar’s experience with Masque’s first head chef, Chef Prateek, solidified her belief in the power of food to showcase a destination. Offered in 2016 when few others were doing so, the tasting menu at Masque (nestled in an old cotton mill in Mumbai) “introduced many travellers to the complexities and richness of Indian cuisine”. Chef Prateek continues this approach at Naar, a destination dining experience in Himachal Pradesh. By highlighting local ingredients and techniques, he tells the story of the Himalayan region through its cuisine.

T+L‘s trending destinations for 2025

Between insightful exchanges and spilling the steaming, statistical tea on all the hot trends, we asked leaders who helped us share the travel trend forecast to drop the names of destinations they believe will make it big in 2025.

Greenland

It doesn’t feel right to label Greenland, the world’s largest island inhabited since 2,500 BCE, as underrated. But surely, as vast regions of the Danish-dependent territory remain untrodden, it is all the more alluring for climate-conscious and off-the-beaten path explorers — a category we will see growing in 2025.

Borneo

Another impressive island in Southeast Asia, Borneo – the third-largest island in the world – is renowned for its equatorial rainforest culture and seafood Laksas.

Oslo

A classic destination that half a dozen experts have endorsed for a dominating reappearance in 2025, with anime-like skiing hills and waterfronts that hardly need convincing for a visit.

Kazakhstan

In 2023, the country observed a massive uptick in its tourism economy, jumping from 4.7 million in 2022 to 9.2 million. And now with recently announced visa-free, visa-on-arrival, and ETA access to 79 countries, Kazakhstan’s rich nomadic history and landlocked hillscapes are set to break more records.

Ghana

Often touted as the ‘best introduction’ to Africa and its culture, Ghana’s frenetic cities, otherworldly hinterlands and delectable chocolate (can’t forget this) have contributed towards popularising the country on the map of mainstream West African destinations.

(Featured image credit: QUI NGUYEN/Unsplash)

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Note:
The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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